LOS ANGELES — The numbers are sobering for even the most die-hard of fans.

For the 14th time in 21 seasons, the Rockies finished with a losing record. For the first time in franchise history, the Rockies finished last in the National League West in consecutive seasons.

Their 74-88 record is a slight improvement from 2012's 64-98 debacle, but the to-do list to transform the Rockies into a competitive team is lengthy. And daunting. Here is a look at the top issues heading into the offseason.

Offseason goals

1. Find another quality starter to add to the rotation.

The top three starters — Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa and Tyler Chatwood — appear to give the Rockies a solid base to work from, although Chatwood was dogged by injuries throughout the season. The Rockies will exercise the club option on De La Rosa's contract.

The back half of the rotation was nothing short of a disaster. In games started by Collin McHugh, Roy Oswalt, Drew Pomeranz, Jeff Manship, Chad Bettis and Jeff Francis, the Rockies were 7-31 this season. The back end of the rotation must get better.

2. Acquire a right-handed slugger.

Rookie third baseman Nolan Arenado can be expected to develop more power, but he is not ready to be a No. 5 hitter. As it stands now, the only Rockies with consistent pop are Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Wilin Rosario and, to a lesser extent, Michael Cuddyer.

Owner Dick Monfort is on the record saying the Rockies will look for a right-handed bat, likely an outfielder. Free agents Josh Willingham, Kendrys Morales and Corey Hart are possibilities.

3. Rebuild the bullpen.

The Rockies' bullpen unraveled under the strain of a heavy workload. The loss of closer Rafael Betancourt to injury and Wilton Lopez's disastrous season were big factors in the bullpen's National League-worst 4.26 ERA. Other than Rex Brothers, who will enter 2014 as the closer and shined in a setup role, all other spots are open to competition.

Tyler Chatwood. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)

2014 roster breakdown

STARTING PITCHERS

Locks: Right-handers Chacin and Chatwood and lefty De La Rosa. The trio combined for a 38-21 record.

Question marks: Right-handers Juan Nicasio and lefty Drew Pomeranz are the prime contenders for the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, but neither has proven big-league success. In the mix could be veteran Roy Oswalt (if the Rockies re-sign him) and young gun Eddie Butler. Right-hander Jonathan Gray, the Rockies '2013 first-round draft choice, is expected to move quickly up the minor-league chain, but it's not likely he cracks the rotation out of spring training.

BULLPEN

Locks: Rex Brothers (19 saves, 1.74 ERA) will be the closer,g and right-hander Adam Ottavino and Chad Bettis will likely have prominent roles. The hard-throwing Bettis could compete for a starting role, but the Rockies appear to favor him in a relief role going forward. Chasing a free agent such as Jesse Crain should be a top priority.

Question marks: The biggest unknown is the fate of setup man Matt Belisle, who started well but struggled in the second half. He wants to return, but the Rockies hold a $4.25 million option on his contract. Lopez, despite his struggles, is likely to return, but lefty Josh Outman's future is hazy.

CATCHER

Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. (The Denver Post)

Manager Walt Weiss has made it clear that slugger Wilin Rosario (.292 average, 21 home runs) will be the starting catcher. Rosario showed some improvement behind the plate, but he's still an inconsistent game-caller and receiver. Jordan Pacheco will be the primary backup.

FIRST BASE

Unless the Rockies complete an offseason trade or acquire a free agent, 2014 National League batting champion Michael Cuddyer will man first base, moving in from right field. Pacheco could also see time there as a backup.

SECOND BASE

Weiss calls DJ LeMahieu a "winning baseball player," and LeMahieu has quietly cemented himself as the starter after starting the season on the bench. However, the Rockies love Josh Rutledge's considerable athletic talent and still hope he can blossom and push for a starting spot, which he lost with a miserable April.

THIRD BASE

Nolan Arenado is a star in the making. He showed gold glove potential as a rookie and held his own offensively. The Rockies would like to see him hit for more power, perhaps bumping up his home run production from 10 to 20 next season.

SHORTSTOP

Trade rumors have already begun swirling around all-star Troy Tulowitzki, but while the Rockies will listen, they are not motivated to move him. He's signed to a long-term contract and when healthy is as good as any shortstop. Despite missing a lot of time this season, Tulo hit .312 with 25 home runs and 82 RBIs. And his defense is without peer.

OUTFIELD

There could be a lot of movement here. As with Tulo, the Rockies will get offers for all-star Carlos Gonzalez, but a trade doesn't appear likely. There is a chance the Rockies would move CarGo to center field or right field. The Rockies like the way Dexter Fowler patrols center, but his injury-plagued 2013 season was a major disappointment. He has trade value. The two young players to keep an eye on are Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson. Both are left-handed hitters and both would need to improve to take over in center.

SHORTSTOP

Trade rumors have already begun swirling around all-star Troy Tulowitzki, but while the Rockies will listen, they are not motivated to move him. He's signed to a long-term contract and when healthy is as good as any shortstop. Despite missing a lot of time this season, Tulo hit .312 with 25 home runs and 82 RBIs. And his defense is without peer.

OUTFIELD

There could be a lot of movement here. As with Tulo, the Rockies will get offers for all-star Carlos Gonzalez, but a trade doesn't appear likely. There is a chance the Rockies would move CarGo to center field or right field. The Rockies like the way Dexter Fowler patrols center, but his injury-plagued 2013 season was a major disappointment. He has trade value. The two young players to keep an eye on are Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson. Both are left-handed hitters and both would need to improve to take over in center.

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